Grad Helped Research How Animals Perceive Their Environment

Carly Moody wouldn’t go so far as to call herself a cat whisperer. But over the years, she has learned a thing or two about fretful felines.

“Be very calm, very gentle. Let the cat know they can trust you,” said Moody, who graduated in May with a BSc in Applied Animal Biology from our Faculty.

“I have this huge passion for wanting to help animals,” said the Burnaby native. “They freely give love back. And just knowing that an animal is happier because of something you’ve done is an incredible feeling.”

Moody credits the Animal Welfare Program (AWP) for opening her eyes to the treatment and use of animals. “The undergraduate AWP courses have taught me so much, and have definitely been a highlight of my time here at UBC.”

Moody assisted Animal Welfare Prof. Dan Weary in his research that explores how animals such as dairy cows or pigs interact and perceive their environment, and how to use that knowledge to create improvements. “I have a great interest in research and see myself pursuing this as a veterinarian.”

Moody is currently working full-time at an animal hospital. In addition to reception duties, Moody also has prepped animals for surgery and administered medications.

“We’ve dealt with hamsters, chickens, rabbits, reptiles, raccoons, ferrets, a seagull someone found on the road with a broken wing, and some really big snakes.”